Important to reduce inflammation, boost the immune system and keep the heart-healthy, omega 3 is a daily essential. 

One of the top ten recommended supplements, for fitness enthusiasts and couch potatoes alike. Have you seen scientific research behind this recommendation? Maybe, you have decided to be trusting and follow the trend. That’s right, a business trend fuelled by videos, blogs and articles. 

Proof 

As an avid researcher, I can tell you that there are not enough scientific studies to prove the health benefits. This can be attributed to a lack of funding or because the market would lose money when they published refuting results. 

Furthermore, there is proof that the average supplement has negligible or non-existent health benefits. According to the Harvard university health page, people often take supplements to be sure their daily nutritional needs have been met or at least the illusion they have. 

Education 

That said, some people require certain supplements to help with their inability to absorb specific nutrients from foods. In some cases, they need supplements to fix deficiencies caused by a disease. 

Moreover, the latest portion of my nutrition certificate course has educated me that the body does not absorb nutrients from omega 3 supplements. Thus, supplementing omega three can be harmful, rather than beneficial. Benefits can only truly be measured by the amount of omega 6 in your diet.

Omega 6i mostly found in colourless or white oils and is pro-inflammatory. Known as linoleic acid on some nutrition labels, dietary omega 6, should have a one to one ration with omega 3. However, this is not the case for most of our diets, the average western diet consists of much higher ratios such as twenty or even fifty to one. 

A simple rule to follow, when daily omega 6 is high, omega 3 supplements have some benefits. However, when omega 6 is low, supplementing omega 3 is harmful. 

Something to Consider 

Since we can consume enough omega 3, without the need to supplement it daily, why do we take the supplement? The answer to that statement will be different for all of you. As a relatively healthy individual on a non-deficient vitamin and mineral diet, certain supplements are a waste of money. 

Furthermore, sine regulations are low or non-existent in the supplement industry. Therefore, there is no real proof the supplement contains what it claims to and is free of harmful contaminants.

My advice, do some research or seek out a health professional to talk about your daily vitamin and mineral intake. This way you will be able to make a healthy and educated decision.

Feel free to reach out to me anytime, let me help you achieve your goals or steer you in the direction of someone who can. 

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